Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 101

Chapter 101 She’s Not Yours Anymore

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* Finished

Dorian gave a crooked little smile, his gaze steady, calculating. “So what, Arden’s jealous now?”

Lucien didn’t answer right away. God, this man really doesn’t get it.

“Boss,” he said finally, “what if she’s not jealous–what if she’s just… done? Think about it. You didn’t explain anything. You didn’t say a word. Her brother Caleb was at that auction too. You think he didn’t see you dropping five hundred mil on a necklace for another woman? He probably thinks you’re just another selfish, unfaithful guy who doesn’t deserve his sister.”

Dorian’s jaw tightened slightly.

Lucien kept going. “And let’s be real. You’ve iced her out for years. The two of you barely looked like a couple. That whole bond you used to have with Caleb? It’s barely hanging on. You think he wants anything to do with you after that?”

Dorian had never considered that.

He always thought Arden was the kind of girl who’d love him no matter what.

She was so quiet. So soft and forgiving.

And that five hundred mil? That wasn’t about Mira. It was to settle a debt with Barry. He didn’t even pick that necklace himself.

But deep down, he’d gambled. He assumed Arden would take it. Let it go. Like she always did. He thought she’d be fine.

He liked how much she liked him. Maybe even took it for granted.

Lucien leaned against the table, arms crossed. “Boss, let me ask you something. You left the country mad, thinking she schemed her way into your life. You didn’t even buy her a wedding ring. And then, in front of a room full of people, you handed a priceless necklace to another woman. If I were Arden? I’d hate you. Hell, I’m a guy and I think you’re the worst husband I’ve ever seen.”

Dorian raised an eyebrow. “You think I should explain myself?”

Lucien shrugged, a little smirk playing at his lips. “Depends. Do you want her back at Silverbay?”

Of course he did.

He couldn’t sleep without her. She fit in his arms like she was made to be there. He hated being alone now. It felt cold.

And the weirdest part? He didn’t even hate her anymore He missed her.

Why else would he have dragged her all the way to Zevia with him? He didn’t want her around Vincent. Or worse, Clark’s random “good guy” friend.

“You pick out her outfit?” Dorian asked.

“Yeah.”

“She seem okay?”

19:09 Thu, Feb 5 BNB ·

Chapter 101 She’s Not Yours Anymore

Lucien hesitated. “Hard to say. Neutral, I guess.”

Dorian took a slow sip of cold water. “You remember Sevra? From Soutaria?”

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Finished

Lucien stiffened. “Of course I remember. Syndicate guy. Arms deals, drugs–anything dirty. No morals. Just money.”

“He’s trying to push product through Zevia and Avalen ports. Wants to move into Ardellia.”

Lucien’s expression dropped. “He’s nuts. That puts you in danger. And Arden too. You know they’ve been trying to hit you where it hurts for years. That chip deal? You embarrassed him in front of the whole Syndicate. He didn’t go after Arden before because you didn’t care about her. Now that you do… he’ll notice.”

“I’ve got Boey watching her,” Dorian said. “Get more mercs. Quiet. Don’t let her out of your sight.”

By 6:30, Dorian had changed and walked over to Arden’s door. She opened it already dressed. He stopped.

Holy shit.

Long waves of hair, curled perfectly at the ends. Red tassel earrings brushed her shoulders. Her lips were bold, her eyes sharp, winged eyeliner giving her a little edge.

The black dress hugged her in all the right places. Off–the–shoulder. Skin like porcelain. Curves like sculpture.

Tonight she wasn’t soft or sweet. She looked like sin wrapped in elegance.

Dorian’s breath actually caught for a second. God, he used to hold that waist. Knew exactly how soft it felt in his hands.

And now? He hadn’t touched her in what felt like forever.

His eyes darkened, heat stirring low in his stomach.

“Mr. Vale?” That voice–cold, distant–snapped him back. Right. She was still mad. Still calling him that.

“You sure you don’t want a jacket or something?” he askell, eyes lingering on her bare shoulders. “It’s a bit revealing.”

Arden gave him a look. “It’s summer, Mr. Vale. I’m not freezing for your comfort.”

She glanced over his outfit–black custom shirt, fitted slacks, expensive watch, everything tailored within an inch of its life. Wealth was practically stitched into every thread.

They looked good together. Unfortunately, looks didn’t mean anything.

Dorian held his suit jacket over his arm. “Arden, can you please stop calling me Mr. Vale?”

She adjusted her bag, smoothing her dress. “What would you prefer I call you, Mr. Vale?”

His eyes dipped to her lips. “Babe.”